Abstract:
Earth sciences describe the Earth as a chemical, physical and biologicalsystem. This dynamic system accreted 4.6 billion years ago from the solarnebula and it evolved into a set of distinct chemical and physical reservoirs.These reservoirs include the Earth's core, mantle, crust, ocean and atmosphereand they continue to evolve through the continuous exchange of mass and heat.These processes result in major natural hazards to mankind (floods,draught,meteor impacts, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes), but they also created ahabitable planet that provides an environment and resources that are favorablefor the development and the maintenance of (human) life.

The mandate of Earth sciences is to study the Earth, its chemical, physical andbiological reservoirs and the processes that control the make-up andinteraction between these reservoirs. It is becoming increasingly clear thatchemical, physical and biological Earth processes interact in rather complexways and require true integration of these disciplines.

The mission of the PACER center is to help integration of the Earth sciencesthrough supporting scientific communication and the development of globalphysical and chemical reference models.